How do you secure your Android smartphone? Whether you are using a PIN, pattern or password, it helps protect your phone from unwanted people. However, there are times when you forget the unlock code so you can’t get into the device. What should you do?
Don’t worry! There’s a couple of hacks that can be used to unlock Android phone even if you forget the code. Keep scrolling and get ready to blow your mind!
Ways to Unlock Android Phone
Some might think that if you forget your phone’s password or PIN, the device will be useless. In fact, there are some ways to get back in and use your phone again. Here are things to do to unlock Android phone if you forget the code according to Androidally.com:
1. For Android 4.4 and Below
If you are using Android 4.4 Kitkat or below and suddenly forget the unlock code, you can bypass the pattern, PIN, or password. It enables you to get back without even using the right password. It requires you to log in to Google account using your username and password.
Here is how to bypass locked Android 4.4 and older versions with Google account:
- At the lock screen, enter the incorrect PIN, pattern, or password five times.
- You should see a Forgot PIN, Forgot Pattern, or Forgot Password button appears on the screen.
- Tap the button and you will be directed to log in to Google account using your username and password.
- Once you are in, you can change with a new unlock code.
When setting a new unlock code, be sure it is easy to remember. If necessary, you might need to write down the password or PIN in case you accidentally forget the new code.
2. For Android 5.0 and Newer
Newer versions of Android ditch bypass support so it is unlikely to get back in with your Google account. That means it will require extra effort to unlock the device once you forget the password of PIN. Luckily, you can rely on the Smart Lock feature to make the phone usable again.
This feature enables the device to automatically log in when it is connected with your home Wi-Fi. Even if you don’t remember the code, this feature will do the magic.
Before you forget the password or PIN and get in trouble, it’s much better to set the Smart Lock feature on your Android. Here are the steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Security option and choose Smart Lock.
- You should see three different options: trusted places, trusted devices, and trusted face. Choose one or all options at the same time.
If you choose a trusted device, the phone will automatically unlock whenever trusted devices are nearby. You are allowed to add as many devices as you want.
3. Factory Reset
If the previous methods don’t work, you still have the last option to unlock Android smartphone—factory reset. When performing factory reset, everything you saved on the device, including settings, contacts, and data will be erased. Simply put, your phone will be fresh like new.
Here is how to factory reset the device when it is locked:
- Make sure your phone has Android Device Manager enabled.
- Visit the website of Android Device Manager and use your Google account to log in.
- Choose the device you want to factory reset and choose Erase.
This action will remove the lock code. Set everything up from scratch to make your phone usable again. No matter what it takes, the result is worth your effort.
Forgetting your phone’s password or PIN isn’t that bad. There are three simple ways to get back into the device, allowing you to make it functional again. Whether you are using older or newer versions of Android, there is always a way to unlock it.